章 6: Arkenvalle

Arkenvalle lit up within my chest as I felt my body getting stronger. I knew it was gonna Level itself up soon, but not this fast. It was about a few months faster than expected.

Although the current Arkenvalle was far cry from the one I used in the battle with the Calamity Dragon, as that was the result of several Level ups along with 2 Evolutions, the current Arkenvalle looked like a simple white longsword. It had a rose engraved in its hilt and its blade was 1.2 meters long.

However, its form began changing within my body as I saw it grow silver coloured thorny vines as it coiled around the hilt. The handle had increased 5 cm in length, and I felt its connection to me getting stronger.

This was Arkenvalle in its second Level. Its sharpness was a bit better than before, and it was also a bit lighter. This was tremendous improvements to the performance of the sword, but this was just the beginning. And this was why I wanted to become a hero, as the power of divine weapons were nothing to scoff at.

"Congratulations, partner."

I congratulated the sword despite knowing that it couldn't answer. I just felt like doing so, so I did.

I stored Arkenvalle once again to check the improvements in my body. It looks like the default boost when Arkenvalle is stored had been increased from 10% to a whopping 15%. And that boost is amplified twice when Arkenvalle is summoned.

"Well, I'm already past Level 25. I should start practicing the secret techniques of the Void Severing Blade Manual."

Although I could have practiced it a while ago, when I actually studied the techniques, I noticed that it actually uses mana and pushes the body to its limit in order it achieve extreme speed.

The First Step of the Void Severing Manual had four secret techniques in the First Step.

First, the Void Sensitivity, was a technique that focused one's senses and intuition achieving a hyper reflex state and allowing one to perceive the world in slow motion, as well as being able to 'feel' all movements within a certain area around the user.

Second, was a movement technique called Void Steps. It allowed one to weaken one's existence in reality, and traverse a short distance without the shackles of space. In other words, it was near field teleportation.

The third was an offensive technique called Severing Blade. By using a specialized mana pathway in the body, and a unique mana circulation method, along with unleashing all the latent power one could release, the technique can unleash a single strike than can cut through anything. Or at least that's how the introduction went.

As for the last, it was the Void Wind Guidance. It was a body augmentation method that increased ones speed by at least three times. When mastered to perfection, one can boost their speed by 10 times their usual speed. However, it was not something that can be cast on other people as the technique is highly reliant on the physique. And those who did not cultivate the Void Severing Blade Manual, naturally wouldn't have a compatible physique.

"Well, for now, I guess I could practice the Void Sensitivity technique. At least it only drains the mind."

I sat cross legged as I then started to feel mana circulating in my body. And a lot went especially to my head. I kept practicing exactly according to the book, and a few minutes later, I suddenly felt my head clear up as the world seemed to expand.

I could feel the wind as if it was my skin, and all the living things within 20 meter radius. And I could vaguely predict all the movements in the area as I noticed everything was in slow motion.

I remained in that state for a few seconds, and after that, my mind returned to normal as I panted heavily and struggled to keep my mind awake.

"Haaah...Haaaah...haah... Looks like I underestimated the strain the technique places on the body. This is serious shit."

And soon after I said it, I passed out.

... .... ... ... ...

...THUD! ...THUD! ...THUD!

I was awakened by some sudden tremors that shook the ground. It sounded like giant footsteps, and it sounded bigger than the trolls I usually fight with.

I don't know how long I passed out, but I had recovered my strength. Mostly.

I peeked outside, and was startle by an incoming giant fist coming my way.

'Shit!'

In a hurry, I rolled to avoid the fist. And as I did, I felt danger from the ground as I instinctively jumped back. The next instant, 2 meter long earth spike skewered the place I was in earlier. I looked towards the attacker, and I identified the monster and knew I was in deep shit. It was a Murder Troll King.

It stood at the height of 25 feet and it had eight tentacles in its back. It's arms twice bigger than the normal Murder Troll, and it was a hell lot faster.

'Shit, why now?! This is way too fast damn it!!'

Murder Troll Kings were not suppose to appear this early. They were supposed to appear in the third month, but now, one of them actually is trying to kill me.

'Can I beat it? These things are at least Level 35...'

It was at least 9 gaps in Levels, and the amount of mana we had were miles apart. However I had no choice but to grit my teeth in this one. If I run, this thing's not going to let me run. So I materialized Arkenvalle as I sharpened my senses in focus. I didn't use Void Sensitivity as the I'd lose consciousness if I use it for a few seconds, and if I couldn't end it by then, I was sure to die.

The Troll King sent all its tentacles and used it to slam at me, and I quickly evaded each attack with minimal movements. Thanks to Arkenvalle, I could now keep up with its speed.

From now, this would be a battle of techniques and experience.